Tuesday, April 22, 2014
FAREWELL!
Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
~ Harriet Tubman~
Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out~ Robert Collier
What a great ending to an amazing journey. When I decided 18 months ago to attend graduate school, I did not know what to expect. I did not know how I would fit in, especially being an older adult in her 50's. But I have really enjoyed this journey working with people that had the same passion, and vision, which is to help young children develop to their full potentials. The knowledge that I have gained will continue to help me to be instrumental in my teaching career. As I begin to make ant--bias education a part of my classroom, I will be able to work diligently with the children and their families in knowing and how to do the right things when it comes to providing for them all the elements that are necessary to help them in being successful. Since learning about bias, I have grown to accept the obstacles and challenges that were hindering me, especially from being open-minded and also being able to listen to others. The amount of learning from Derman-Sparks & Edwards was so inspiring and heart felt. As she stated "all children need to be able to blossom, and every child's particular abilities and the gifts they have are able to flourish (p.2). I am so overwhelmed and appreciative for all of the knowledge and tools I have been given in learning about anti-bias education.
One long- term goal for me is to continue to be a role model for the young children and families I work with daily. I hope to become the best leader possible in order to lead them in the directions they desire to be in. My hope for the future is to one day see all children and their families living in peace and harmony in their communities and society without having to be judged by all the things that makes them different.
I would like to thank Dr. Teri, and all of my professional colleagues for making this journey so special. I would also like to thank you for helping me in continuing my dream. Always remember to never give up, and always remember to keep pushing forward until you get the results you desire. I wish each and everyone of you a successful future...... Never give up the hope, the vision, and the passion for what you do.
Linda
References
Derman-Sparks, L., Olsen-Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves. National Association for Young Children. (NAEYC).
Inspirational quotes. www.inspirational-quotes.info.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally
The Three International organizations I chose were: The International Recue Committee, Save the Children, and Women for Women International.
International Recue Committee
The International Rescue Committee, founded in1933, responds to the worst humanitarian crises, helping people to survive and rebuild their lives in over 40 countries and 22 United States cities. This committee works in relief, rehabilitation, post-conflict development, resettlement services, and advocacy for those affected by conflict and oppression, helping people to survive and rebuild their lives. International Rescue Committee supports children and youth who have been affected by armed conflicts and war, by providing support for refugees through formal and non formal education, emergency development. IRC also provide a number of health care services as well as women's empowerment and protection programs. The IRC also works to safeguard the human rights and well-being of people affected by conflict, by ensuring their safety, dignity, and legal rights. It also provides specialized services to victims of human trafficking, and also works to improve economic recovery. This organization appealed to me due to the long range of services provided in crises situations. Another reason was this organization called for a large amount of diverse training and background in order for staffing.
The job I located for employment was for a Health Coordinator, located in South Sudan, in the category of working full-time.
The description for this job was: The Health coordinator will be the focal point for health care programs in South Sudan. They will ensure the implementation of a quality primary healthcare program in communities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal and the Unity States, with the possibility of expansion, in accordance with accepted national and international standards. They will also have the responsibility of supervising the HPF Coordinator, three reproductive health managers and an emergency health response manager and reports directly to the Deputy Director of Programs. The home base is in Juba with regular trips to the IRC's primary and reproductive health programs throughout South Sudan.
The skills and Requirements for this job would be for the Health professional (MD or RN with MPH) to have a strong public health background. Five years experience in coordinating, implementing and managing health programs in developing countries and/or refugee settings. Their background in situation analysis, health assessments and program implementation. They will also need additional qualities, such as the ability to multitask, the ability to handle pressure well, and the ability to improvise, flexibility, adaptability to transitions. Free Housing is provided. This is a high security level job.
The second International Organization I chose was Save The Children.
Save the Children is the world's leading independent organization for children. Their work is around 120 countries. Save the children mission is based around saving children lives in fighting for their rights, in order to help them fill their full potentials. They work to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. Across all of their work, it is aimed at several core values; accountability, ambition, collaboration, creativity and integrity. This organization appealed to me because of the educational benefits children get. Education improves their long life health, income and prospects. Save the Children work to ensure that every child receives a good quality education and gain the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st century. This for me is a plus, whenever anyone looks out for the best interest of the well-being of children and families, it makes me respect the work that we as professionals in the field do. It also makes me proud to be a part of this field.
The employment opportunity I chose from this organization was: Chief of Party-DFID Education Consortium. The length of this job is 12 months. The Chief of Party is a senior management role of providing oversight of the 4 year, 15.8 million GBP, DFID-funded education consortium programs in South Sudan. The post holder leads in terms of giving support and direction to the program, as well as managing the relationship and information flows between the key stakeholders. The qualifications for this job includes a post-graduate degree in education or in any social science subjects. 4 years in a Chief of Party or senior program, good technical knowledge of policy and practice in the field of education and development. A good understanding of development issues and the policy context of fragile states, and states effected by conflict. High level of communication and people skills. Strong leadership skills, proven ability to maintain oversight of elements of the programs, proven international skills, preferably in Africa, previous experience in donor, and the proven ability to work in hardship and insecure environments.
The last International organization I chose was Women to Women International.
Women to Women International works with socially excluded women in 8 countries where war and conflict have devastated lives and communities. Women who enrolled in the one-year program learn job skills and receive business training so they can earn a living. The most appealing things of this organization was women who come to this program learn to understand their rights and how to fight for those rights in their homes, their communities and their nations. They learn how to become leaders. Their belief is that lasting change can only be achieved when women have access to both knowledge and resources( WfWI). The place I chose to work was Nigeria. I felt that working with this group of women was where I am needed the most because of all of the hardship women have to endure in this country. Of women for Women International-Nigeria program the graduate level was good. 86% report improved health, 88% are actively participating in key household decisions, 80% leave the program with knowledge of their legal rights, 98% are earning an income, and more than 60% of graduate are saving income to invest in their future. This is position is a voluntary position. It does not come with an income.
References
http://www.rescue.org
http://www.savethechildren.net
http://www.womenforwomen.org/global-initiatives-helping-women/help-women-nigeria.php
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Job/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level
This week we were asked to look at 3 national organizations that foster the well-being of children, families, and the early childhood field. The three national organizations that I chose to look into are:
1. National Head Start Association (NHSA): NSHA is a national organization that works to advocate for children, families, and communities. Their goal is to work diligently for policy and institutional changes that ensure all vulnerable children and families have what they need to be successful by supporting and providing resources to the families and communities (National Head Start Association,2012). There are two programs associated with Head Start; Head Start which was created in 1965 and Early Head Start which was created in 1994. They serve children and families earning income at or below the federal poverty level (National Head Start Association, 2012,par.1). I am interesting in this organization because it's main goal is to serve families who other wise would not be able to afford day care or other child care for their children. My Capstone project is concern with obesity within the school system I work in. It is at the Elementary level with children in grades first through fifth. I know that the issue of children being overweight and obese will exist in all children of all ages. Some research recognizes that children from low-income are more at risk of suffering from obesity ( Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,2011). The jobs on this site consisted of jobs for directors, teacher aide, child development specialists, and education coordinators across the United States. You have to be a member to view the full position listing of jobs. After searching the website I located two positions. The one that interested me was the position for Policy, Data, and Research Fellowship. To qualify for this position which include education, experience, and competencies, you must be familiar with and committed to Head Start and the diverse communities Head start program serve. You must have a bachelor's degree and minimum coarse work in statistics and quantitative research methodology. Excellent written and verbal skills, a high level of energy, one to three years relevant work experience.
2. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). I love this website. It has so much to offer individuals in the field of Education. I used it a lot during this program . NAEYC was founded in 1926 and is the largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 80,000 members. It has a network of more than 300 state and local affiliates and continues to grow globally in forming alliance with like minded organizations (NAEYC, n.d., par.1). In exploring job opportunities the job I found was for a Assistant teacher for two year old class at the Anne & Jim Kenan Preschool. The requirements for this position is a Bachelor or Master's degree from an accredited university. You must have experience working with preschool children, knowledge of best practices in early childhood education, language and early literacy instruction, and be diligence in following policies and procedures regarding children's supervision safety.
3. High Scope. The High Scope Educational research Foundation is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. It is an independent, private, nonprofit research , development, training, and public outreach organization that serves national and international audience committed to promoting high quality early education for young children (High Scope). It is a diverse organization with of 50 professional educators, researchers, publishing staff, administrative staff. The position that interested me was for a Elementary Research Associate 1. This position is located in the Center for Early Education Evaluation (CEEE), Evaluation, Training &Assessment Division. The requirements are to coordinate early elementary level training, assessment and evaluation projects. You must be able to assist and work closely with other research staff in developing and reviewing elementary level materials, assist in developing, planning, coordinating and implementing elementary assessment trainings and evaluation projects. You must have a strong knowledge of early childhood development and educational practices. Knowledge of assessments practices, research designs and statistical analysis approaches. A doctorate or (PHD or Ed. D.), in early childhood/elementary education, curriculum and teacher education, or related field is required.
References
High Scope. Retrieved from http://www.high scope.org/content.asp?ContentId=112
National Association for the Education of Young Children, (NAEYC). Retrieved from
http://www.naeyc.org
National Head Start Association (2012). Retrieved from
http://www.nhsa.org
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. retrieved from:
http://www.rwjf.org
This week we were asked to look at 3 national organizations that foster the well-being of children, families, and the early childhood field. The three national organizations that I chose to look into are:
1. National Head Start Association (NHSA): NSHA is a national organization that works to advocate for children, families, and communities. Their goal is to work diligently for policy and institutional changes that ensure all vulnerable children and families have what they need to be successful by supporting and providing resources to the families and communities (National Head Start Association,2012). There are two programs associated with Head Start; Head Start which was created in 1965 and Early Head Start which was created in 1994. They serve children and families earning income at or below the federal poverty level (National Head Start Association, 2012,par.1). I am interesting in this organization because it's main goal is to serve families who other wise would not be able to afford day care or other child care for their children. My Capstone project is concern with obesity within the school system I work in. It is at the Elementary level with children in grades first through fifth. I know that the issue of children being overweight and obese will exist in all children of all ages. Some research recognizes that children from low-income are more at risk of suffering from obesity ( Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,2011). The jobs on this site consisted of jobs for directors, teacher aide, child development specialists, and education coordinators across the United States. You have to be a member to view the full position listing of jobs. After searching the website I located two positions. The one that interested me was the position for Policy, Data, and Research Fellowship. To qualify for this position which include education, experience, and competencies, you must be familiar with and committed to Head Start and the diverse communities Head start program serve. You must have a bachelor's degree and minimum coarse work in statistics and quantitative research methodology. Excellent written and verbal skills, a high level of energy, one to three years relevant work experience.
2. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). I love this website. It has so much to offer individuals in the field of Education. I used it a lot during this program . NAEYC was founded in 1926 and is the largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 80,000 members. It has a network of more than 300 state and local affiliates and continues to grow globally in forming alliance with like minded organizations (NAEYC, n.d., par.1). In exploring job opportunities the job I found was for a Assistant teacher for two year old class at the Anne & Jim Kenan Preschool. The requirements for this position is a Bachelor or Master's degree from an accredited university. You must have experience working with preschool children, knowledge of best practices in early childhood education, language and early literacy instruction, and be diligence in following policies and procedures regarding children's supervision safety.
3. High Scope. The High Scope Educational research Foundation is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. It is an independent, private, nonprofit research , development, training, and public outreach organization that serves national and international audience committed to promoting high quality early education for young children (High Scope). It is a diverse organization with of 50 professional educators, researchers, publishing staff, administrative staff. The position that interested me was for a Elementary Research Associate 1. This position is located in the Center for Early Education Evaluation (CEEE), Evaluation, Training &Assessment Division. The requirements are to coordinate early elementary level training, assessment and evaluation projects. You must be able to assist and work closely with other research staff in developing and reviewing elementary level materials, assist in developing, planning, coordinating and implementing elementary assessment trainings and evaluation projects. You must have a strong knowledge of early childhood development and educational practices. Knowledge of assessments practices, research designs and statistical analysis approaches. A doctorate or (PHD or Ed. D.), in early childhood/elementary education, curriculum and teacher education, or related field is required.
References
High Scope. Retrieved from http://www.high scope.org/content.asp?ContentId=112
National Association for the Education of Young Children, (NAEYC). Retrieved from
http://www.naeyc.org
National Head Start Association (2012). Retrieved from
http://www.nhsa.org
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. retrieved from:
http://www.rwjf.org
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels
This week's assignment was for me to list three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me, and to explain why I chose them.
These are the three organization I chose:
1. Central Georgia Technical College is a state institution of higher learning for adults and high school graduates. It has locations in the city I lived in, Roberta and Macon, Georgia or the county of Bibb. This organization appealed to me because of the location of them, and also because I enjoy working with people who are motivated to learn. There were several job opportunities available. The one that appealed to me was in the General Education field. It was for a Learning Support Reading Instructor.
This job requirements is to provide instruction to students in the Computer Information Systems department. The use of appropriate teaching techniques and appropriate testing and grading procedures are important aspects of the program. The qualifications for this job are: 1). You must have a Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the teaching assignment or have either teaching experience in a discipline related to the assignment or graduate training in remedial education ( learning support). The skills you must have are effective written and verbal communication skills. But the preferred skills is to have teaching experience at the Postsecondary level.
2. The Georgia Department of Labor (DOL), is a job seeker organization, on-line or at a local location in Macon, Georgia. The DOL allows an individual who is seeking work to visit on line surrounding counties in the Middle Ga. area or outside the Middle Ga. area. The job that appealed to me was a Counselor position in the Macon Ga. area.
This job requirements are to work with students on the college level. Services to the students include academic, personal, financial and career counseling, tutor supervision, peer and professional mentoring, graduate school counseling, cultural exposure and ADA advocacy. This job appeals to me because of all the opportunities available in working with students with disabilities, minorities in helping them to farther their educational futures.
The skills needed for this position requires a Masters degree, preferably in social sciences from a accredited university or college with at least two years working with youth or the special population , student services, advising or counseling. The preferred skills requirement are: to have experience working with Pell eligible, first generation, minorities or person with disabilities with addition knowledge of Blumen database and Excel.
3. Teach Georgia is a state source for finding educator employment opportunities in Georgia public school systems. I chose this source because it offers a lot of ways to gain assess to jobs across the Middle Georgia area. There is a place to upload a resume and to apply for positions in the announcements. School systems post current positions for which application are being solicited. I like the idea that it is a one stop shop which provides opportunities for a pathway to certification and PSC approved programs, scholarships, and loan sources.
I also chose a school counselor position in the Bibb County Public School district. This job requires certification in, or eligible for certification in the area for which you would like to apply. Also eligible for (P-12) certification. A verification of a current Georgia certificate if on file at the PSC website can be used.
An eligibility list will be created after screening consideration for employment. It will be based on the candidates who meet the established qualifications or certification.
References
http://www.centeralgacollege.org
http://www.dol.state.ga.us/Access/Service?JobOpeningsDetail?return
Address=02121F&location.
http://www.teachgeorgia.org/jobDetail.aspx/id=66105.
This week's assignment was for me to list three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me, and to explain why I chose them.
These are the three organization I chose:
1. Central Georgia Technical College is a state institution of higher learning for adults and high school graduates. It has locations in the city I lived in, Roberta and Macon, Georgia or the county of Bibb. This organization appealed to me because of the location of them, and also because I enjoy working with people who are motivated to learn. There were several job opportunities available. The one that appealed to me was in the General Education field. It was for a Learning Support Reading Instructor.
This job requirements is to provide instruction to students in the Computer Information Systems department. The use of appropriate teaching techniques and appropriate testing and grading procedures are important aspects of the program. The qualifications for this job are: 1). You must have a Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the teaching assignment or have either teaching experience in a discipline related to the assignment or graduate training in remedial education ( learning support). The skills you must have are effective written and verbal communication skills. But the preferred skills is to have teaching experience at the Postsecondary level.
2. The Georgia Department of Labor (DOL), is a job seeker organization, on-line or at a local location in Macon, Georgia. The DOL allows an individual who is seeking work to visit on line surrounding counties in the Middle Ga. area or outside the Middle Ga. area. The job that appealed to me was a Counselor position in the Macon Ga. area.
This job requirements are to work with students on the college level. Services to the students include academic, personal, financial and career counseling, tutor supervision, peer and professional mentoring, graduate school counseling, cultural exposure and ADA advocacy. This job appeals to me because of all the opportunities available in working with students with disabilities, minorities in helping them to farther their educational futures.
The skills needed for this position requires a Masters degree, preferably in social sciences from a accredited university or college with at least two years working with youth or the special population , student services, advising or counseling. The preferred skills requirement are: to have experience working with Pell eligible, first generation, minorities or person with disabilities with addition knowledge of Blumen database and Excel.
3. Teach Georgia is a state source for finding educator employment opportunities in Georgia public school systems. I chose this source because it offers a lot of ways to gain assess to jobs across the Middle Georgia area. There is a place to upload a resume and to apply for positions in the announcements. School systems post current positions for which application are being solicited. I like the idea that it is a one stop shop which provides opportunities for a pathway to certification and PSC approved programs, scholarships, and loan sources.
I also chose a school counselor position in the Bibb County Public School district. This job requires certification in, or eligible for certification in the area for which you would like to apply. Also eligible for (P-12) certification. A verification of a current Georgia certificate if on file at the PSC website can be used.
An eligibility list will be created after screening consideration for employment. It will be based on the candidates who meet the established qualifications or certification.
References
http://www.centeralgacollege.org
http://www.dol.state.ga.us/Access/Service?JobOpeningsDetail?return
Address=02121F&location.
http://www.teachgeorgia.org/jobDetail.aspx/id=66105.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Reflecting on Learning
I can not believe that this eight weeks of wonderful learning is over. I sure have learned a lot from all of the resources and from most importantly all of you who was a part of this class. My most passionate hope for the future is to continue to work with children and their families in providing them with what ever they need to be successful, to continue to be an advocate for them, and to continue to eliminate any biases whether present or hidden. My blog's title "Educator with a Passion for Teaching" is who I am, I love what I do, I am motivated to do what I do, and I am passionate about what I do. I believe that if you do not have a passion for working with children and their families it will hinder what you need to do for them. It takes a village to raise a child, meaning it takes everyone involved in the life of a child. For me this means being a positive role model and being supportive and open to things that will impact the child's life that contributes to the their well-being.
Reflecting back on the media segment, "Your Commitment to Anti-Bias Work" (Laureate Education,2011), I can recall reading several statements that I appreciated. Julie Olsen Edwards, stated that Life is filled with key decisions, decisions that change who we are and what we do, this experience at Walden will change my life forever. She also stated that keeping a circle of people who you can call, email, or write is very important. What we do as professionals is a lifetime of work, celebrating our successes is what keeps us going and makes us want to continue in doing what we do.
To all of my professional colleagues we have come to the end of another journey of wonderful learning. Some of us will continue to learn together through our Capstone, others will go in new directions, but where ever always remember to continue to dream big. To one of my favorite and wonderful Teachers, Dr. Pickens, thank you also so very much for teaching me this last eight weeks. I learned a lot from all of you.... Continue on to your next adventures I am sure they will be great!
References
Your Commitment to Anti-Bias Work" (Laureate education,2011). Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_419753
I can not believe that this eight weeks of wonderful learning is over. I sure have learned a lot from all of the resources and from most importantly all of you who was a part of this class. My most passionate hope for the future is to continue to work with children and their families in providing them with what ever they need to be successful, to continue to be an advocate for them, and to continue to eliminate any biases whether present or hidden. My blog's title "Educator with a Passion for Teaching" is who I am, I love what I do, I am motivated to do what I do, and I am passionate about what I do. I believe that if you do not have a passion for working with children and their families it will hinder what you need to do for them. It takes a village to raise a child, meaning it takes everyone involved in the life of a child. For me this means being a positive role model and being supportive and open to things that will impact the child's life that contributes to the their well-being.
Reflecting back on the media segment, "Your Commitment to Anti-Bias Work" (Laureate Education,2011), I can recall reading several statements that I appreciated. Julie Olsen Edwards, stated that Life is filled with key decisions, decisions that change who we are and what we do, this experience at Walden will change my life forever. She also stated that keeping a circle of people who you can call, email, or write is very important. What we do as professionals is a lifetime of work, celebrating our successes is what keeps us going and makes us want to continue in doing what we do.
To all of my professional colleagues we have come to the end of another journey of wonderful learning. Some of us will continue to learn together through our Capstone, others will go in new directions, but where ever always remember to continue to dream big. To one of my favorite and wonderful Teachers, Dr. Pickens, thank you also so very much for teaching me this last eight weeks. I learned a lot from all of you.... Continue on to your next adventures I am sure they will be great!
References
Your Commitment to Anti-Bias Work" (Laureate education,2011). Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_419753
Friday, February 21, 2014
Impacts on Early Emotional Development
The UNICEF, (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund), is part of the United Nations largest global organization which works especially for children. It is the driving force for providing long-term humanitarian and developmental assistance to children in war-torn, and developing countries.
The area of the world I chose was West and Central Africa. The reason why I chose this region is largely due to the hardship and poverty children in this counrty have to face and the impact these have on their social-emotional development. From reading about the children in west and central Africa they suffer many challenges daily. There is so much poverty, and hardship, and it makes it seem to me to be "a forgotten land". Nobody cares, what happens to the children. The early years of life present the opportunity to lay the foundation for healthy development, this is according to The National Center for Children in Poverty (2010). The early years in the life of a child is a time for growth and they are very vulnerable. Children in West and Central Africa have their rights violated daily to the extent that it is worse than any where else in the world.
The negative early experiences that children experience can impair their mental health and effect their cognitive, behavioral, and social-emotional development. Children in this region that survive their fifth birthday often do not end up going to school. They die from malaria, diarrheal diseases, vaccine- preventable diseases, such as measles. They also face sexual and other forms of violence if they attend school. They are abused, exploited in many ways, for example, child trafficking, child labor, child arm conflicts, and many are victims of harmful traditional practices.
These experiences might have an effect on children's emotional well-being and development by impacting those that can attend school from not going due to being in poverty situations. They will experience social-emotional problems from having to endure, especially the girls from being sexual abused. Those children who are orphaned from losing parents from AIDS have no means of learning and developing which will hugely impact their school readiness, and negatively impacting their functioning levels which will cause emotional damage.
I have gained so much insight from studying this region and learning about the children. It makes me so sad, and more determined to do as much as possible to save the children I work with daily. There is no child on this earth that needs to experience what the children of West and Central Africa have to deal with. Children should be loved, kept safe, nutured, and to grow up happy and healthy. This experience gives be more motivation personally and professionally to help all children whom I teach to be healthy and to learn what they need to meet life challenges head on. My guidance and strength will encourage them to strive in being successful in meeting their full potentials to be productive in society. I want to have a positive impact in their lives so that they will know that when encountering challenges, there is someone who cares, and they will not be fearful, they will be okay, and know that they will have a bright and successful future.
References
Trustees of Columbia University.(2010). The National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP).
Retrieved from: http://www.nccp.org/publication/pub882.html
UNICEF (2011). Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/index.html
The UNICEF, (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund), is part of the United Nations largest global organization which works especially for children. It is the driving force for providing long-term humanitarian and developmental assistance to children in war-torn, and developing countries.
The area of the world I chose was West and Central Africa. The reason why I chose this region is largely due to the hardship and poverty children in this counrty have to face and the impact these have on their social-emotional development. From reading about the children in west and central Africa they suffer many challenges daily. There is so much poverty, and hardship, and it makes it seem to me to be "a forgotten land". Nobody cares, what happens to the children. The early years of life present the opportunity to lay the foundation for healthy development, this is according to The National Center for Children in Poverty (2010). The early years in the life of a child is a time for growth and they are very vulnerable. Children in West and Central Africa have their rights violated daily to the extent that it is worse than any where else in the world.
The negative early experiences that children experience can impair their mental health and effect their cognitive, behavioral, and social-emotional development. Children in this region that survive their fifth birthday often do not end up going to school. They die from malaria, diarrheal diseases, vaccine- preventable diseases, such as measles. They also face sexual and other forms of violence if they attend school. They are abused, exploited in many ways, for example, child trafficking, child labor, child arm conflicts, and many are victims of harmful traditional practices.
These experiences might have an effect on children's emotional well-being and development by impacting those that can attend school from not going due to being in poverty situations. They will experience social-emotional problems from having to endure, especially the girls from being sexual abused. Those children who are orphaned from losing parents from AIDS have no means of learning and developing which will hugely impact their school readiness, and negatively impacting their functioning levels which will cause emotional damage.
I have gained so much insight from studying this region and learning about the children. It makes me so sad, and more determined to do as much as possible to save the children I work with daily. There is no child on this earth that needs to experience what the children of West and Central Africa have to deal with. Children should be loved, kept safe, nutured, and to grow up happy and healthy. This experience gives be more motivation personally and professionally to help all children whom I teach to be healthy and to learn what they need to meet life challenges head on. My guidance and strength will encourage them to strive in being successful in meeting their full potentials to be productive in society. I want to have a positive impact in their lives so that they will know that when encountering challenges, there is someone who cares, and they will not be fearful, they will be okay, and know that they will have a bright and successful future.
References
Trustees of Columbia University.(2010). The National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP).
Retrieved from: http://www.nccp.org/publication/pub882.html
UNICEF (2011). Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/index.html
Friday, February 14, 2014
The Sexualization of Early Childhood
My reaction to the ideas shared in the reading" So sexy so soon" comes as no surprise to me concerning some of things children are learning and saying thses days. The reasons being, they are viewing too much television, playing too many video games, hanging out with people who are too old for them to hang out with, and trying to hard to fit in. Girls who are having self esteem issues because they are considered not to be as pretty or thin is affected the most. In the article, Levin, and Kibourne (2009). talks about the things they say, such as the girl in dramatic play area singing and dancing, she has seen it on television, and probably is listening to the wrong source of music. The six year old, asking "what is a blow job", he has heard it before, and is just curious about what it means. There is no need to be surprised about what children are asking, saying, or viewing, it's out there for them to see. They are being exposed to much to soon.
I can recall several examples of how prevalent sexualization is in early childhood. When I was working with 4 year olds in a preschool classroom, some of them acted well over the age of five. They loved to go to housekeeping and pretend to be the grown up. They could make a custom based on their imiginations to become what they wanted it to look like. During group dance time, some of them would dance like what they brought from home, not according to the music we had at school. Was I surprised, the answer is NO, I was not. I am working in a elementary school environment with grades first through fifth, some of the clothes the girls wear at an early age here is sad. The first graders are wearing heels, and short skirts, it's not their faults, parents are buying them for them to wear.
The messages these children are recieving today is that it is okay to dress the way you want, and that everyone needs to be thin. This is the only way they will be excepted. It is ruining our children. It is causing them to become depressed because they can not look like what they see on television, or they are different from their friends. As an early childhood professional, it is my job in helping children at an early age to realized that all people are different, no two people are alike, and they all have something unique to offer, it does not matter what you look like, the color of your skin, your race, we are all special.
The role of parents for the education of their children is to promote values, those that are meaningful, to instruct their children to do the right things in life, and not be influenced by others. These includethe way we talk around children, gestures and actions, they are watching us, we must make positive influences in their lives not negative ones. I always try to correct children when I feel they are going in the wrong directions, but in a good way, to let them know I care and love them, and they are important to me.
Reference
Levin, D. E., & kilbourne, J. (2009). {Introduction}. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp.1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/intriduction.pdf
My reaction to the ideas shared in the reading" So sexy so soon" comes as no surprise to me concerning some of things children are learning and saying thses days. The reasons being, they are viewing too much television, playing too many video games, hanging out with people who are too old for them to hang out with, and trying to hard to fit in. Girls who are having self esteem issues because they are considered not to be as pretty or thin is affected the most. In the article, Levin, and Kibourne (2009). talks about the things they say, such as the girl in dramatic play area singing and dancing, she has seen it on television, and probably is listening to the wrong source of music. The six year old, asking "what is a blow job", he has heard it before, and is just curious about what it means. There is no need to be surprised about what children are asking, saying, or viewing, it's out there for them to see. They are being exposed to much to soon.
I can recall several examples of how prevalent sexualization is in early childhood. When I was working with 4 year olds in a preschool classroom, some of them acted well over the age of five. They loved to go to housekeeping and pretend to be the grown up. They could make a custom based on their imiginations to become what they wanted it to look like. During group dance time, some of them would dance like what they brought from home, not according to the music we had at school. Was I surprised, the answer is NO, I was not. I am working in a elementary school environment with grades first through fifth, some of the clothes the girls wear at an early age here is sad. The first graders are wearing heels, and short skirts, it's not their faults, parents are buying them for them to wear.
The messages these children are recieving today is that it is okay to dress the way you want, and that everyone needs to be thin. This is the only way they will be excepted. It is ruining our children. It is causing them to become depressed because they can not look like what they see on television, or they are different from their friends. As an early childhood professional, it is my job in helping children at an early age to realized that all people are different, no two people are alike, and they all have something unique to offer, it does not matter what you look like, the color of your skin, your race, we are all special.
The role of parents for the education of their children is to promote values, those that are meaningful, to instruct their children to do the right things in life, and not be influenced by others. These includethe way we talk around children, gestures and actions, they are watching us, we must make positive influences in their lives not negative ones. I always try to correct children when I feel they are going in the wrong directions, but in a good way, to let them know I care and love them, and they are important to me.
Reference
Levin, D. E., & kilbourne, J. (2009). {Introduction}. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp.1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/intriduction.pdf
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)